Well, check another one off the list. We've been promising ourselves for years that we would do weekend bike trips: out one day, back the next. This past weekend we parked in Foxburg, PA on the Allegheny River, rode the bike trail 34 miles to Franklin and spent the night. They have a beautiful Quality Inn there. We ate at McGinness's, purportedly an Irish pub, but with really good food. Really good food. I had scallops that had been marinated in Sriracha with cheddar grits and fabulous braised greens. Bob had hanger steak brushed with ancho jelly with the greens and whipped sweet potatoes.
Saturday it rained the whole day, which was actually better than the snow that had fallen here all night and morning. It wasn't a driving rain, but enough to annoy. Sunday was dry, but cold. We awoke to about 29 degrees and it shot up to a balmy 35 by the time we reached Foxburg for lunch and the drive home. It was a refreshing weekend, and we definitely want to repeat the experience. I'll need to keep looking for trails that go far enough to make it work, but that are within a reasonable drive for a weekend. Though we ride roads all the time, that's the point: we ride roads all the time. It's a nice break to not have to deal with traffic. That trail was by far the quietest place we've been for a long time. There are miles and miles with no real population on either side and no railroad on the other side of the river. Since Saturday was so rainy, we didn't even hear any birds.
We saw several deer and some turkeys, but we can do that right at home! Sunday we were treated to the sound of migrating geese (good riddance!) and we did get to meet some of the people who live on the trail when we stopped to fix a flat. The two tunnels (one about 2800 feet long and the other over 3300) were a challenge, but when I remembered the flashlight app on my iPhone, we were much better able to navigate them. All in all, a great time and perfect way to celebrate our 33rd anniversary.
The weekend ended with "the girls" going out to visit the Ramseys on the annual Halloween trek. Good snacks were had by all.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
10/21 Here comes the weekend
I decided yesterday that the big thing I have learned so far in retirement is flexibility. If you know me, you know that I am rather insane about my scheduling. I suppose it comes from so many years of having to manage my time so closely, but I have tried to have at least a skeleton of a schedule in retirement. This week, I realized that my schedule for cleaning won't work, since I would be cleaning next week in the middle of two mornings of training, a gluttons dinner, a dr. appt. for my mother, the big town meeting with the planning commission and lunch with friends.
It sounds small, but I am very proud that I was able to come up with an alternate plan and to realize that the world will not end because I didn't stick to the cleaning schedule I set for myself. So the question is: did this happen to me because of so many years of teaching with its tight schedules, or was I attracted to teaching because of the scheduling.
Dinner: tried making risotto last night for the first time. Mushroom/Leek risotto to be exact. It was quite labor-intensive and as I finished it up, I wondered if it was worth it. Apparently, I won't have a choice. It was a big hit.
It sounds small, but I am very proud that I was able to come up with an alternate plan and to realize that the world will not end because I didn't stick to the cleaning schedule I set for myself. So the question is: did this happen to me because of so many years of teaching with its tight schedules, or was I attracted to teaching because of the scheduling.
Dinner: tried making risotto last night for the first time. Mushroom/Leek risotto to be exact. It was quite labor-intensive and as I finished it up, I wondered if it was worth it. Apparently, I won't have a choice. It was a big hit.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
10/19 - Catching my breath
Yesterday was another morning training session for the Standardized Patient Program. As I sat there thinking, "Why am I doing this again?" I realized it is one of those things "they" tell you to do to keep your mind fresh and alive. I had to learn new material, meet new people, be in a situation different from anything else I do. It's fun and I think it will be worthwhile. I just don't think I'll have the time to devote to it that some people do for a while.
Yesterday was the day of sadness: Nina emailed and it finally hit her that not only has she left us behind, her own family will be four hours away. Marianne and Randy had bouts of the seasonal depression. It was a tough day, but we all got through it. I just finished emailing pictures from the party to Nina. It's still hard to believe that her stay is over. We'll have Randy here for a while, but he is in and out and much more independent. Thanksgiving break will happen and he'll be gone for almost a week, I think.
Today starts the round of appointments that could lead to my mother's knee replacement. We see the cardiologist today, which she hasn't done for a couple of years. Tomorrow, Boniva injection. Monday, Dr. Yee, the pulmonary lady. Then the knee man at the beginning of November. In between, I'm trying to get some more gardening done.
Here's hoping that all the sad people make it through.
Dinner: yesterday was beans and greens (penne, spinach, cannelini beans, tomatoes and peppers.) Today, I think we'll go with chicken and chilis.
Yesterday was the day of sadness: Nina emailed and it finally hit her that not only has she left us behind, her own family will be four hours away. Marianne and Randy had bouts of the seasonal depression. It was a tough day, but we all got through it. I just finished emailing pictures from the party to Nina. It's still hard to believe that her stay is over. We'll have Randy here for a while, but he is in and out and much more independent. Thanksgiving break will happen and he'll be gone for almost a week, I think.
Today starts the round of appointments that could lead to my mother's knee replacement. We see the cardiologist today, which she hasn't done for a couple of years. Tomorrow, Boniva injection. Monday, Dr. Yee, the pulmonary lady. Then the knee man at the beginning of November. In between, I'm trying to get some more gardening done.
Here's hoping that all the sad people make it through.
Dinner: yesterday was beans and greens (penne, spinach, cannelini beans, tomatoes and peppers.) Today, I think we'll go with chicken and chilis.
Monday, October 17, 2011
10/17 It's official
Yesterday, my 55th birthday, marked the official beginning of my pension. My account with PSERS goes active as of that date, so it's yet another milestone. It was an emotional day for many reasons. Nina left to head back to Germany and to university, where she'll become an engineer with a keen understanding of economics. It was a tearful day, since we had all become very attached. I'm sure as she left she was convinced she might never see my mother again. I am here today with material to study for my new job and no one to cook for or do yoga with, and it feels very strange.
The other big event of yesterday was the Jackie Evancho concert. We had looked forward to it for months and it didn't disappoint. The concert was also a promotion for the opera and it was quite effective. Since I don't play volleyball this Friday, I might take my mother to see La Traviata. I've wanted to see it since our days with the Red Masquers when Jean Brodie talked about it in the play.
I can afford a few more minutes of stalling, then I have to get to the business of serious study. I have to figure out how to become a person I don't like. Hmmmmm.
The other big event of yesterday was the Jackie Evancho concert. We had looked forward to it for months and it didn't disappoint. The concert was also a promotion for the opera and it was quite effective. Since I don't play volleyball this Friday, I might take my mother to see La Traviata. I've wanted to see it since our days with the Red Masquers when Jean Brodie talked about it in the play.
I can afford a few more minutes of stalling, then I have to get to the business of serious study. I have to figure out how to become a person I don't like. Hmmmmm.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
10/12 - Winding down
There are days I actually am glad it's raining, because it eliminates one possible chore: yard work. I finished the mulching except for some minor tweaking. Yesterday was my first day of training for the Standardized Patient Program at Pitt. I am excited about it, and the thought of having homework makes me laugh a little.
Today I am trying to get caught up on communication chores and some inside work. Yesterday was a whirlwind: a.m. training, lunch with Jay, fighting the presidential motorcade closures to get to Green Tree for an appointment with my financial planner. Today will be less hectic. Or not.
Much of my thought lately revolves around my mother's condition. It really is sometimes hard to deal with the mental/emotional fallout of her physical problems. I just need to keep remembering that having her here with all the baggage is still better than not having her.
Nina leaves this week, and Randy has moved in for the next eight weeks. We'll get some minor house chores done, but most importantly, he'll be able to patch and paint my mother's upstairs rooms. There is always a window open when a door is closed.
Dinners this week will be Nina's favorites: my homemade pizza, pesto pasta.
Today I am trying to get caught up on communication chores and some inside work. Yesterday was a whirlwind: a.m. training, lunch with Jay, fighting the presidential motorcade closures to get to Green Tree for an appointment with my financial planner. Today will be less hectic. Or not.
Much of my thought lately revolves around my mother's condition. It really is sometimes hard to deal with the mental/emotional fallout of her physical problems. I just need to keep remembering that having her here with all the baggage is still better than not having her.
Nina leaves this week, and Randy has moved in for the next eight weeks. We'll get some minor house chores done, but most importantly, he'll be able to patch and paint my mother's upstairs rooms. There is always a window open when a door is closed.
Dinners this week will be Nina's favorites: my homemade pizza, pesto pasta.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
10/6 - Reeling from the news
I am still reeling from the news of Steve Jobs' death. although I knew of his health issues, I really expected him to hang in there and prevail. It's odd how much the death of a person you never knew personally can affect you. I cried last night.
Life has been incredibly busy, but in that good way when everything that happens leaves you wondering how you deserve so much blessing. Nina continues to be delightful. The three of us had a great trip on the weekend to Niagara Falls. After riding the Maid of the Mist, we drove up to Niagara on the Lake to see Lake Ontario. It was a classic fall day by then, the morning rain having cleared up. The sky was, as they say, partly cloudy, but sun sneaked through on and off. It was windy, so the lake looked absolutely wild, with waves crashing on the rocks at the shore.
We celebrated Bob's birthday on Monday, and that has me thinking about mine. It will be a mixed day, since that is the day Nina leaves. We have tickets to an afternoon concert, so I will need to arrange her transportation to the airport for her flight home at 7:00. I also got word that I was accepted into the Standardized Patient Program at Pitt Medical School, and I begin training next week. That has so much more appeal for me than retail or subbing. I think the flexibility will fit nicely with the schedule I'll have.
It's possible that my mother will be having knee replacement surgery again on her left knee. We'll know more when she sees her doctors. That will probably mean her coming here, since getting in and out of the house is much easier with four steps than her 20 or so.
I am now settling into a rather pleasant routine. I have begun to let out my breath concerning the list of things to do. The mulch has arrived, as have some plants. Once that is done, I will officially shut down the push to work in the side yard. One section will be done and until next spring, nothing major needs to take place. That will allow me more indoor time and more time to get together with friends and do the things I always said I'd do when I retired.
Having our friend Charlie visit inspired me to try to plan more weekend trips. We'll either fly to Boston in the spring for a long weekend, or head to P'Town in June, or both! Routine is good, but we need to remind ourselves that there is a big world out there for us to have fun in.
From all reports, school is continuing in the downward spiral. I still miss the students and my friends and I do miss the sense of being free from all the duties here while I was at work, but I don't miss the bureaucracy and paperwork that took away from the joy of it.
Dinners have been many and varied. Nina likes my cooking!
Life has been incredibly busy, but in that good way when everything that happens leaves you wondering how you deserve so much blessing. Nina continues to be delightful. The three of us had a great trip on the weekend to Niagara Falls. After riding the Maid of the Mist, we drove up to Niagara on the Lake to see Lake Ontario. It was a classic fall day by then, the morning rain having cleared up. The sky was, as they say, partly cloudy, but sun sneaked through on and off. It was windy, so the lake looked absolutely wild, with waves crashing on the rocks at the shore.
We celebrated Bob's birthday on Monday, and that has me thinking about mine. It will be a mixed day, since that is the day Nina leaves. We have tickets to an afternoon concert, so I will need to arrange her transportation to the airport for her flight home at 7:00. I also got word that I was accepted into the Standardized Patient Program at Pitt Medical School, and I begin training next week. That has so much more appeal for me than retail or subbing. I think the flexibility will fit nicely with the schedule I'll have.
It's possible that my mother will be having knee replacement surgery again on her left knee. We'll know more when she sees her doctors. That will probably mean her coming here, since getting in and out of the house is much easier with four steps than her 20 or so.
I am now settling into a rather pleasant routine. I have begun to let out my breath concerning the list of things to do. The mulch has arrived, as have some plants. Once that is done, I will officially shut down the push to work in the side yard. One section will be done and until next spring, nothing major needs to take place. That will allow me more indoor time and more time to get together with friends and do the things I always said I'd do when I retired.
Having our friend Charlie visit inspired me to try to plan more weekend trips. We'll either fly to Boston in the spring for a long weekend, or head to P'Town in June, or both! Routine is good, but we need to remind ourselves that there is a big world out there for us to have fun in.
From all reports, school is continuing in the downward spiral. I still miss the students and my friends and I do miss the sense of being free from all the duties here while I was at work, but I don't miss the bureaucracy and paperwork that took away from the joy of it.
Dinners have been many and varied. Nina likes my cooking!
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